Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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44 of 44 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
"If You're Lookin' for Trouble, I'm the Man to See.", September 28, 2003
This is the American debut of AC/DC, and from the moment this record was released, rock and roll as we knew it would forever change. The last line of that sentence may sound a bit corny, but anyone who's familiar with the AC/DC story knows it's also true. However, "High Voltage" wasn't initially greeted with love in America. As the liner notes state, it got a scathing review in "Rolling Stone" in 1976, when Billy Altman dismissed the record as an exercise in "calculated stupidity." Well, not only has this record gone multiplatinum, but it also helped secure the band an esteemed place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Not bad for "stupidity," huh? Anyway, "High Voltage" is really a compilation of the group's first two Australian albums and it's one of the essential AC/DC recordings of the Bon Scott era. The essence of "High Voltage" and AC/DC is pretty much summed up in the infectious "Rock and Roll Singer," which is nothing more than a carefree tribute to having a good time and dodging responsibility. Other highlights are "TNT" the bluesy drive of "The Jack," and the excellent "Live Wire." The production has a somewhat raw and bluesy feel; it sounds like the band recorded the album right in your own living room. "High Voltage" has been remastered by Sony, and the booklet has interesting liner notes and great photos of the band. Along with "Powerage" and "Highway to Hell," "High Voltage" is one of my favorite pre-"Back in Black" AC/DC albums and should be one of your first purchases, even if you already have the original pressings of the LP, cassette or CD.
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24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Remastered Riff-O-Rama!, March 4, 2003
"High Voltage" was one of the first albums I purchased when I was in Junior High School. I finally decided to replace my pop filled album copy with this newly minted remaster. It sounds great especially without all the pops from my album version. The US release of "High Voltage" was an eye opener in 1976 for the unknowing US buyers. The Young brothers unleashed their patented blues/boogie riffs on the unsuspecting stateside public still accustomed to singer-songwriters. The catchy riffs eventually became favorites of rockers everywhere. The album is actually a compilation of two albums issued earlier in their Australian homeland "High Voltage" and "TNT". "High Voltage" also features original bass player Mark Evans along with long time drummer Phil Rudd. Bon Scott's vocals provide a boozy swagger missing from the current version of the band fronted however admirably Brit screamer Brian Johnson. The set contains a number of classics like "It's A Long Way To The Top (If You Wanna Rock 'N' Roll)", and "Live Wire". My own personal favorites are the double-entendre filled "The Jack", "TNT" with its "Oi! Oi! Oi!" chant and "High Voltage". The other tracks are also interesting. This is one of their best albums especially from the period when Bon Scott was in the band. The new disk also contains a link to a website with more information about the making of the album, pictures, tour dates from their tour to promote "High Voltage" and other interesting items for fans of the band. My only regret other than the first song being edited is that no bonus tracks were included from either the original Australian release of "High Voltage" or "TNT" the other Australian only release that some of the tracks on the US version of "High Voltage" were taken. Some of these cuts are still not released in the United States. The remastered version also contains new expanded liner notes and photos including copies of the Australian covers of "High Voltage" and "TNT". This is the album that started it all. The rest as they say is history. The Young brothers riffs carry the day along with the vocals of Scott. It is appropriate that this instantly recognizable band will be inducted into the Rock 'N' Roll Hall Of Fame.
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
High Voltage!!!, August 10, 2005
This is definetly one of the best AC/DC albums. It is basically a compilation of the "best" songs from their first two Australian albums. Every song on here is excellent.
1. It's A Long Way To the Top (If You Wanna Rock 'n' Roll)-5/5. Simply one of the best rock songs ever. Heavy riffing, great Bon Scott vocals and a bagpipe solo. It actually fits the song very well. The best song on the album.
2. Rock 'n' Roll Singer-4/5. Another great guitar riff with great Bon Scott vocals. AC/DC were always at their best when their songs were about the rock lifestyle.
3. The Jack-5/5. Very bluesy, slow song about being with a woman who has an STD. As disgusting as it may sound, the lyrics actually describe it as a card game. Very witty. One of the best songs on here.
4. Live Wire-4/5. A little slower and a lot less raw than the rest of the album. The lyrics and vocal delivery make up for the lack of raw power.
5. T.N.T.-4/5. This song is pure attitude. Very heavy beat that keeps your head bobbing. Another great vocal performance from Bon Scott.
6. Can I Sit Next To You Girl-4/5. Very upbeat with a bit of a dancy feel, in a rock 'n' roll way!! Cool, sexually charged lyrics. AC/DC are very good at this type of song.
7. Little Lover-5/5. Another bluesy number with great guitar playing. Lyrically, it's about spending a little "quality time" with an underage groupie. Great vocals from Scott.
8. She's Got Balls-4/5. This is probably my least favorite song on the album. It still has a classic title and excellent lyrics with a great vocal. A little less raw than the other songs.
9. High Voltage-5/5. Another great raw energy and attitude track. Upbeat and exciting. Another excellent song with great rock 'n' roll lyrics and a great vocal delivery.
This album is full of excellent songs where even the weaker ones are on par with the best of AC/DC's 1980's hits. Bon Scott had a vocal style and energy that, with all due respect, Brian Johnson just doesn't have. This is one of their absolute best albums.
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